Wellesley Institute’s health equity research and policy work seeks to understand and have an impact on a wide range of social determinants of health. Our current and recent work falls within the World Health Organization’s outline for the social determinants of health equity.
Conditions of daily life
People who have limited access to quality housing, education, social connection and job opportunities have a higher risk of illness and death. Reducing inequalities in the conditions of daily life will contribute greatly to improvements in population health.
Wellesley Institute’s research and policy work on the conditions of daily living falls into the following categories.
Economic systems
Economic systems are inextricably linked with health and health equity. They determine the flow of capital, the allocation of economic resources, and the production and distribution of goods and services. In other words, economic systems affect inequities in income, wealth and power in a society. The potential health gains from equitable economic systems are significant.
Wellesley Institute’s research and policy work on economic systems falls into the following categories.
Social infrastructure
Social infrastructure refers to the policies, services, resources and related spaces that people have access to and which enable them to fully participate in social and economic life. Investing in social infrastructure means building strong public institutions and strengthening social cohesion. Countries with broad social budgets have higher levels of health and lower levels of health inequality.
Wellesley Institute’s research and policy work on social infrastructure falls into the following categories.
Structural discrimination
Structural discrimination refers to the structures, policies, routines, attitudes and behaviours that restrict groups and individuals from achieving the same rights and opportunities available to most of the population. Structural discrimination may be based on race, ethnicity, religion, migration status, language, Indigeneity, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status and disability, among other characteristics.
Wellesley Institute’s research and policy work aimed at addressing structural discrimination falls into the following categories.
Trends in a changing world
The social determinants of health do not exist in an unchanging world. Climate change mitigation and adaptation will be increasingly important to establishing both opportunities and constraints on advancing health equity. The digital transformation has opened new horizons for health action and created potential to deepen health inequities. Health emergencies, such as COVID-19, are also growing in frequency and impact.
Wellesley Institute’s research and policy work aimed at addressing the impacts of major worldwide trends fall into the following categories.
